Baby swing - which one to choose and why babies should be rocked

Just rock me! Surely these would be the words of your baby, if it could speak. From the following article you will learn that this simple activity supports the development of many processes and functions occurring at every stage of human life!

 

The role of rocking in baby's development

 

Have you ever wondered why babies like to swing? This is true for toddlers of all ages. Babies fall asleep and calm down best in mom or dad's arms while rocking. Older toddlers love all kinds of rockers, swings, rocking horses... And we adults sometimes jump on a swing when no one is looking. ????

Why are swings in every playground? Why have women been rocking their babies in their arms and cradles since the dawn of time? It must have been a knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

 

Why is it important to rock children?

 

Science tells us that it is connected with prenatal life. The fetus developing in the mother's womb constantly swings in the foetal membranes. The newborn encodes in its memory the pleasant sensations of rocking, which it associates with safety. It spent many months in its mother's belly, so rocking will be an element of its prenatal memory. No wonder that the baby after coming into the world will calm down while lulled in the parent's arms.

 

Swing and baby's development

 

We know that rocking is an extension of the natural state for a newborn. But how does rocking affect the further development of a child?

First of all, it stimulates the development of the senses. It influences the development of the sense of balance, the child gains awareness of the position of the body in space. It also develops a deep sensibility, or kinesthesis. It is the awareness of the position of one's own body. It allows us to know how our limbs are positioned without looking at them. Rocking stimulates the vestibular system in the brain. It is responsible for coordination of movement and sense of balance. If this system is stimulated often enough, the child will master sitting, crawling and walking more easily and quickly. We recommend the research of neurobiologist Lise Eliot - it is worth looking into the book "What's going on out there? How the brain and mind develop in the first five years of life". (Media Rodzina 2005). Motor coordination develops most intensively until the age of two, so parents should support it during this time every day - rocking a baby.

Secondly, rocking influences the emotional development of the child: it calms, relaxes and gives a sense of security. It has a soothing effect on the overexcited nervous system.

But that is not all! Correct work of the vestibular system also influences the development of speech, hearing and eye coordination. It has a great influence on the development of learning abilities, i.e. the ability to pay attention, read, count, in the future (for more information, see the following items: Doman G., Doman J. ``How to Multiply Your Baby's Intelligence", Belter Baby Press 1994, Sekułowicz M. et al. "Psychomotor Education, movement full of meaning" Published by Dolnośląska Szkoła Wyższa, 2008).

 

 

Swing - the best gift and great fun for your child

 

We've already learned about the many health benefits of rocking. It's time to look at swinging through a child's eyes. The fact that children all over the world love to swing is known to everyone. It is a great form of play that has been known for centuries. Whether on a swing, in a special rocker, in the arms of a parent or sibling, in a hammock or on a rocking horse, swinging is a great pleasure for children.

If you are thinking about a gift for a toddler, choose a swing - it will give them great joy and will have a great impact on their development. Special bouncer- rockers will be the best for toddlers. You can choose from many options. There are bouncers with a rocking function (the parent rocks the baby), but it is also worth paying attention to the more technologically advanced ones, e.g. LUMI - 2-in-1electric bouncer-rocker. It is a unique product - it has an option of rocking on the sides. It has 5 stages of rocking speed regulation, a built-in timer (8, 15, 30 minutes), it plays 12 melodies, and also enables you to connect your phone via Bluetooth or USB (to play your favourite song!). LUMI also comes with a remote control to control the vibrations and melodies.

 

Swing at home - the perfect way to avoid boredom!

 

For toddlers who can't go out to the playground yet, let's give them a swing at home. In addition to the many benefits of rocking, it is a great idea for boredom. A toddler's schedule is generally just bedtime and eating time. Playtime doesn’t usually last long because toddlers get bored quickly and can't focus for long. Parents would have to hold the baby in their arms, entertain it and rock it all the time.

Here come special helpful baby rockers! Parents can put the baby in a rocker and fasten its safety harness. They will be sure that babies will be safe, even if they have to make dinner or do the cleaning. The child will always be in the parent's sight and at the same time will be able to participate in everyday life.

Besides, many rockers come with various accessories, such as an attachable toy bar. Rustling mascots, colourful rattles - children love to grab them and shake them. Some models also have adjustable rocking levels and times and can play pleasant melodies for your baby. Your little one certainly won't be bored!

There are swings that can be hung from the ceiling. Classic versions with seats are designed for older children. There are also options for smaller children - then a toddler is put into something in the form of a basket. However, not everyone has the opportunity to install such a swing in their home.

 

Wooden or plastic swing?

 

Parents often wonder which swings are better - wooden or plastic? We suggest - it depends on the age of the child and what is the purpose of the swing.

Wooden swings are usually designed for older children, they are very stable and heavy. They are generally intended for outdoors use.

While plastic swings are structures for younger kids. The seat is made of plastic, and the frame can be wooden, metal or plastic. The advantage of these swings is that they can be used both at home and in the garden.

 

Swing at home and in the garden

 

If we are looking for a classic swing for the garden, then we can match the type of swing to the age of the child. There are different types of seats: bucket, seesaw, round (stork's nest). For babies - only those with a backrest. If we think about such a swing for the house, we can choose from standing (they have their own frame) and hanging from the ceiling or door frame.

A separate category are rockers for babies, which can be used at home, on the balcony or terrace. Modern bouncer-rockers such as FLO and FELIO have many functions, are easy to fold and carry, and are equipped with mosquito nets which protect the baby from intrusive insects. It is important not to put them on a soft surface, e.g. grass.

Additionally, the 5-in-1 NOLA model, in addition to the above-mentioned functions, has a folding, deep hood that will protect your child from the sun. And when the little one wants to take a nap, the rocker can be easily transformed into a cot.

 

Safety is the basis!

 

When choosing a rocker or a swing we should be guided primarily by safety. Constructions and frames must be solid, have necessary certificates. Let's pay attention to whether the product is made of materials safe for children.

A rocker for a baby must have a safety harness. Kinderkraft swings are equipped with a three-point or five-point safety harness with a wide, soft crotch strap for even better comfort for a child.

A baby sitting in a swing should always be rocked when assisted by an adult.